Poem by Robert Burns titled 'Bannockburn - Bruce to his troops'

Poem by Robert Burns titled 'Bannockburn - Bruce to his troops' (page 2 of 2)

Introduction:

This is the second version of the Poem which Burns sent to Thomson on September 8th 1793 set to the tune Lewis Gordon having argued with him about which tune should be used. Burns had at first proposed a tune 'Hey Tuttie Tattie' with which Thomson had disapproved. Later after Burns's death he changed his mind. (poem no 425)

Image Rights Holder:

National Trust for Scotland

Ref:

BMT348B

Project:

618:The Burns Manuscripts at Alloway

What:

Poem by Robert Burns titled 'Bannockburn - Bruce to his troops'

Subject:

Burns had visited the field of Bannockburn (1314) near Stirling in August 1787 where he was moved to say a fervent prayer at the spot where Bruce's standard had flown. He set the poem to a tune which he believed Bruce's troops had marched to at the battle of Bannockburn.

Who:

Robert Burns (1759-1796) (author)

George Thomson (1757-1851) (music publisher)

When:

Where:

The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, South Ayrshire

Background:

Burns had visited the field of Bannockburn (1314) near Stirling in August 1787 where he was moved to say a fervent prayer at the spot where Bruce's standard had flown. He set the poem to a tune which he believed Bruce's troops had marched to at the battle of Bannockburn.

Description:

In these last two verses Bruce reminds his troops of their current bondage and the efforts which they must make against the tyrannical English invaders to gain Scotland's liberty or die in the attempt.